Apparatus for endoscopic procedures

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides for a surgical device. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly and a camera assembly coupled to the jaw assembly. The camera assembly includes a camera housing defining an interior space having at least one opening on a side thereof, first and second support arms pivotally coupled within the camera housing and deployable therefrom, and a camera body coupled to the first and second support arms and moveable between a first position, in which the camera body is positioned within the interior space of the camera housing, and a second position, in which the camera body extends from the at least one opening of the camera assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application claimingthe benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/352,397, filed on Jan. 12, 2009, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/020,298, filed on Jan.10, 2008, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical apparatuses, devices and/orsystems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures and methods of usethereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates toelectromechanical, hand-held surgical apparatus, devices and/or systemsconfigured for use with removable disposable loading units and/or singleuse loading units for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

2. Background of Related Art

A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lineswith proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulatingelectromechanical surgical devices. In many instances theelectromechanical surgical devices include a reusable handle assembly,and disposable or single use loading units. The loading units areselectively connected to the handle assembly prior to use and thendisconnected from the handle assembly following use in order to bedisposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use.

Many of these electromechanical surgical devices are relativelyexpensive to manufacture, purchase and/or operate. There is a constantdesire by manufactures and end users to develop electromechanicalsurgical devices that are relatively inexpensive to manufacture,purchase and/or operate.

In addition, the foregoing surgical devices do not include integratedimaging systems. As a result, a second device is used to provide imagesof the surgical site to the surgeon. The use of a second device may bemore invasive and may require an operator to continually ensure that thesurgical device and imaging device are coordinated, to provide adequateimaging.

Accordingly, a need exists for electromechanical surgical apparatus,devices and/or systems having improved imaging capabilities.

SUMMARY

Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention are described in more detail below with reference to theappended Figures.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical device isdisclosed. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly and a cameraassembly coupled to the jaw assembly. The camera assembly includes acamera housing defining an interior space having at least one opening ona side thereof, first and second support arms pivotally coupled withinthe camera housing and deployable therefrom, and a camera body coupledto the first and second support arms and moveable between a firstposition, in which the camera body is positioned within the interiorspace of the camera housing, and a second position, in which the camerabody extends from the at least one opening of the camera assembly.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalinstrument camera assembly is disclosed. The camera assembly includes acamera housing defining an interior space having at least one opening ona side thereof, first and second support arms pivotally coupled withinthe camera housing and deployable therefrom, and a camera body coupledto the first and second support arms and moveable between a firstposition, in which the camera body is positioned within the interiorspace of the camera housing, and a second position, in which the camerabody extends from the at least one opening of the camera assembly.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure. A surgicaldevice is disclosed. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly and acamera assembly coupled to the jaw assembly. The camera assemblyincludes a camera housing defining an interior space having at least oneopening on a side thereof; first and second support arms pivotallycoupled within the camera housing and deployable therefrom; a first gearcoupled to the camera housing; a second gear pivotally coupled to thefirst and second support arms; and a camera body coupled to the firstand second support arms and moveable between a first position, in whichthe camera body is positioned within the interior space of the camerahousing, and a second position, in which the camera body extends fromthe at least one opening of the camera assembly and is oriented towardthe jaw assembly in response to pivoting of the first support arm.

Each of the above-described aspects may also include the followingmodifications. The camera body of the surgical device or the cameraassembly may include at least one camera and at least one light source.

The camera housing of the camera assembly may include first and secondopenings on respective radially-opposed sides of the camera housing. Thecamera assembly of the surgical device or the camera assembly ismoveable so as to extend from one of the first and secondradially-opposed openings of the camera assembly.

The first and second support arms of the surgical device or the cameraassembly are pivotally coupled at their proximal ends to the camerahousing and at their distal ends to the camera body. In furtherembodiments, the surgical device or the camera assembly may also includea first gear coupled to the camera housing and a second gearmechanically engaged with the first gear and pivotally coupled to thefirst and second support arms. The first and second support arms arecoupled to the camera body by first and second pins, respectively, andthe second pin is disposed proximally of the first pin. The secondsupport arm may also include a longitudinal slot and the second pin isconfigured to travel therethrough as the second support arm is pivoted.

The surgical device or the camera assembly may also include an actuationnut; a pivot arm having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the firstsupport arm and a distal end pivotally coupled to the actuation nut; anda drive screw supported within the camera housing, wherein the actuationnut is threadably coupled to the drive screw such that rotation of thedrive screw imparts longitudinal movement of the actuation nut therebycausing pivotal movement of the first support arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromechanical surgical systemaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a disassembled, perspective view of a surgical instrument, anelongated member, and an end effector of the electrosurgical surgicalsystem of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of a surgical instrumentaccording to the present disclosure, as taken through 3-3 of FIG. 1,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top, cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG.1, as taken through 4-4 of FIG. 1, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front, perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1with the elongated member of FIG. 2 separated therefrom, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a rear, perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a front, perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a top, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the end effectorof FIGS. 6A and 6B as taken through 7A-7A of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7B is a side, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the endeffector of FIGS. 6A and 6B as taken through 7B-7B of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a front, perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1, witha camera assembly deployed on a left side, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9B is a rear, perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1, withthe camera assembly deployed on the left side, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10A is a front, perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1,with the camera assembly deployed on a right side, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a rear, perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1, withthe camera assembly deployed on the right side, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11A is a perspective, top view of the camera assembly in anon-deployed configuration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a perspective, bottom view of the camera assembly in thenon-deployed configuration, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a perspective, top view of the camera assembly in a deployedconfiguration on the right side, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12B is a perspective, bottom view of the camera assembly in thedeployed configuration on the right side, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13A is a perspective, top view of the camera assembly in a deployedconfiguration on the left side, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13B is a perspective, bottom view of the camera assembly in thedeployed configuration on the right side, according to the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed electromechanical surgicalsystem, apparatus and/or device are described in detail with referenceto the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein theterm “distal” refers to that portion of the electromechanical surgicalsystem, apparatus and/or device, or component thereof, that are fartherfrom the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of theelectromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device, or componentthereof, that are closer to the user. The terms “left” and “right” referto that portion of the electromechanical surgical system, apparatusand/or device, or component thereof, that are on the left (e.g., port)and right (e.g., starboard) sides, respectively, from the perspective ofthe user facing the distal end of the electromechanical surgical system,apparatus and/or device from the proximal end while the surgical system,apparatus and/or device is oriented in non-rotational configuration.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5, an electromechanical, hand-held,powered surgical system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is shown and generally designated 10. Electromechanicalsurgical system 10 includes a surgical apparatus or device in the formof an electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical instrument 100 thatis configured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality ofdifferent end effectors 400, via a shaft assembly 200. The end effector400 and the shaft assembly 200 are configured for actuation andmanipulation by the electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgicalinstrument 100. In particular, surgical instrument 100 is configured forselective connection with shaft assembly 200, and, in turn, shaftassembly 200 is configured for selective connection with any one of aplurality of different end effectors 400.

Reference may be made to International Application No.PCT/US2008/077249, filed Sep. 22, 2008 (Inter. Pub. No. WO 2009/039506)and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/622,827, filed on Nov. 20, 2009,the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference,for a detailed description of the construction and operation ofexemplary electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical instrument 100.

Generally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, surgical instrument 100 includesa handle housing 102 having a lower housing portion 104, an intermediatehousing portion 106 extending from and/or supported on lower housingportion 104, and an upper housing portion 108 extending from and/orsupported on intermediate housing portion 106. Intermediate housingportion 106 and upper housing portion 108 are separated into a distalhalf-section 110 a that is integrally formed with and extending from thelower portion 104, and a proximal half-section 110 b connectable todistal half-section 110 a by a plurality of fasteners (FIGS. 3 and 4).When joined, distal and proximal half-sections 110 a, 110 b define thehandle housing 102 having a cavity 102 a therein in which a circuitboard 150 and a drive mechanism 160 are disposed. The instrument 100also includes a power source (not shown), which is coupled to thecircuit board 150 and the drive mechanism 160. Circuit board 150 isconfigured to control the various operations of the instrument 100, inparticular, the drive mechanism 160, as discussed in further detailbelow.

Lower housing portion 104 of the instrument 100 defines an aperture (notshown) formed in an upper surface thereof and which is located beneathor within intermediate housing portion 106. The aperture of lowerhousing portion 104 provides a passage through which wires and othervarious electrical leads interconnect electrical components (e.g., powersource and any corresponding power control circuitry) situated in lowerhousing portion 104 with electrical components (e.g., circuit board 150,drive mechanism 160, etc.) situated in intermediate housing portion 106and/or upper housing portion 108.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, distal half-section 110 a of upperhousing portion 108 defines a nose or connecting portion 108 a. A nosecone 114 is supported on nose portion 108 a of upper housing portion108. Upper housing portion 108 of handle housing 102 provides a housingin which drive mechanism 160 is disposed. The drive mechanism 160 isconfigured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to performthe various operations of instrument 100. In particular, drive mechanism160 is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order toselectively rotate the end effector 400 about a longitudinal axis A-A(FIGS. 6A and 6B) relative to handle housing 102, to move jaw members ofthe end effector 400 relative to each other, and/or to fire thefasteners, to cut the tissue grasped within the end effector 400, and topivot a camera assembly 500 (FIGS. 9A and 9B).

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, drive mechanism 160 includes a selectorgearbox assembly 162 that is located immediately proximal relative to anelongated member 200. Proximal to the selector gearbox assembly 162 is afunction selection module 163 having a first motor 164 that functions toselectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162into engagement with an input drive component 165 having a second motor166. With particular reference to FIG. 5, the distal half-section 110 aof upper housing portion 108 defines a connecting portion 108 aconfigured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 210 of theelongated member 200.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the connecting portion 108 a ofinstrument 100 includes a cylindrical recess 108 b that receives a drivecoupling assembly 210 of elongated member 200. Connecting portion 108 ahouses three rotatable drive connectors 118, 120, 122. When elongatedmember 200 is mated to instrument 100, each of rotatable driveconnectors, namely, first drive connector 118, second drive connector120, and third drive connector 122 of instrument 100, mechanicallyengage a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve, namely, firstconnector sleeve 218, second connector sleeve 220, and third connectorsleeve 222 of elongated member 200.

The mating of drive connectors 118, 120, 222 of instrument 100 withconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of elongated member 200 allowsrotational forces to be independently transmitted via each of the threerespective connector interfaces. The drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofinstrument 100 are configured to be independently rotated by drivemechanism 160. In this regard, the function selection module 163 ofdrive mechanism 160 selects which drive connector or connectors 118,120, 122 of instrument 100 is to be driven by the input drive component165 of drive mechanism 160.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, drive mechanism 160 includesa selector gearbox assembly 162 and a function selection module 163,located proximal to the selector gearbox assembly 162 that functions toselectively move gear elements within the selector gearbox assembly 162into engagement with second motor 166. Thus, drive mechanism 160selectively drives one or more of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 ofinstrument 100 at a given time.

Since each of drive connectors 118, 120, 122 of instrument 100 has akeyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with respectiveconnector sleeves 218, 220, 222 of elongated member 200, when elongatedmember 200 is coupled to instrument 100, rotational force(s) areselectively transferred from drive mechanism 160 of instrument 100 toelongated member 200.

The selective rotation of drive connector(s) 118, 120 and/or 122 ofinstrument 100 allows instrument 100 to selectively actuate differentfunctions of the end effector 400. In embodiments, any number of thedrive connectors 118, 120, and/or 122 may be used to operate the endeffector 400. As will be discussed in greater detail below, selectiveand independent rotation of first drive connector 118 of instrument 100corresponds to the selective and independent opening and closing of thejaw members of the end effector 400, and driving of the actuation sled440 (FIG. 8) of end effector 400. The selective and independent rotationof the third drive connectors 120, 122 of instrument 100 corresponds tothe selective and independent pivoting of the camera assembly 500rotation relative to the end effector 400. The drive connector 120 maybe used to pivot and/or rotate the end effector 400 relative to theelongated member 200.

FIGS. 6A-8 illustrate components and operation of the end effector 400.The end effector 400 includes a jaw assembly 430 coupled at its proximalend to the camera assembly 500 having a camera housing 502. Jaw assembly430 includes a pair of jaw members, which include a cartridge assembly432 and an anvil 434. Cartridge assembly 432 houses one or morefasteners 433 (FIG. 8) that are disposed therewithin and is configuredto deploy the fasteners 433. The anvil 434 is movably (e.g., pivotally)mounted to the end effector 400 and is movable between an open position,spaced apart from cartridge assembly 432, to a closed position whereinanvil 434 is in close cooperative alignment with cartridge assembly 432,to thereby clamp tissue.

Referring to FIG. 8, an exploded view of the end effector 400 is shown.The jaw assembly 430 also includes a carrier 431 having an elongatechannel 410 having a base 412 and two parallel upstanding walls 414 and416 for supporting the cartridge assembly 432 and the anvil 434.

With continuing reference to FIG. 8, the distal portion of channel 410supports cartridge assembly 432 which contains a plurality of surgicalfasteners 433, which in embodiments may be of various sizes, e.g., about30 mm in length and a plurality of corresponding ejectors or pushers 433a. Actuation sled 440 having upstanding cam wedges 444, exerts afastener driving force on the pushers 433 a, which, in turn, drive thefasteners 433 from cartridge assembly 432, as described in more detailbelow.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 8, a plurality of spaced apartlongitudinal slots 442 extend through cartridge assembly 432 toaccommodate the upstanding cam wedges 444 of actuation sled 440. Slots442 communicate with a plurality of transverse retention slots 446within which the plurality of fasteners 433 and pushers 433 a arerespectively supported. During operation, as actuation sled 440translates through cartridge assembly 432, the angled leading edges ofcam wedges 444 sequentially contact pushers 433 a, causing the pushersto translate vertically within slots 446, urging the fasteners 433therefrom. The cartridge assembly 432 also includes a longitudinal slot485 to allow for a knife blade to travel therethrough.

With reference to FIGS. 7B and 8, the jaw assembly 430 includes an anvilcover 435 disposed over the anvil 434. The anvil cover 435 protectstissue from being effected or acted upon by parts moving along theexterior of anvil 434. The anvil 434 along with the cover 435 isconfigured to remain in an open configuration until closed, as describedin more detail below. The cover 435 also includes a pair of actuatingshoulders 457 and 459 provided at a proximal end thereof.

The anvil 434 and the anvil cover 435 are pivotally coupled to thecarrier 431. Each of the actuating shoulders 457 and 459 of the anvilcover 435 and the walls 414 and 416 of the carrier 431 also includeopenings 457 a, 459 a, 407, and 409, respectively. A pivot pin 417, or apair of pins, passes through the openings 457 a, 459 a, 407, and 409.The carrier 431 is coupled to a mounting member 420, which is in turncoupled to the camera housing 502.

As shown in FIG. 8, biasing members 458 a and 458 b, which are shown ascoil springs, are coupled to or otherwise secured within the mountingmember 420. The biasing members 458 a and 458 b bear against internalbearing surfaces defined within mounting member 420 to bias anvil 434into an open position, wherein the anvil 434 is spaced from cartridgeassembly 432. In particular, as described above, the anvil 434 includesactuating shoulders 457 and 459 disposed at a proximal end thereof. Eachof the actuating shoulders 457 and 459 abut the biasing members 458 aand 458 b, respectively, pushing the anvil 434 into the open position.As the anvil 434 is closed, the biasing members 458 a and 458 b arecompressed against the mounting member 420.

With reference to FIGS. 6A-10B, the mounting member 420 is coupled tothe distal end of the camera housing 502. Each of the mounting member420 and the camera housing 502 include an opening 421 and 504,respectively, defined therethrough. The openings 421 and 504 are alignedwith respect to each other when the mounting member 420 is coupled tothe camera housing 502 (e.g., via bolts).

The end effector 400 also includes a coupling member 428 for couplingthe end effector 400 to the elongated member 200. In particular, thecoupling member 428 includes a mounting portion 428 a and a ribbedsleeve 428 b. The coupling member 428 is configured to be inserted overthe mounting portion 428 a and to secure the mounting portion 428 a tothe proximal end of the camera housing 502 via a plurality of bayonetconnectors 428 c. The ribbed sleeve 428 b is inserted over the couplingmember 428 and provides for a gripping surface during attachment andremoval of the end effector 400 from the elongated member 200.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the coupling member 428 includes oneor more J-shaped slot 437 to align and couple the end effector 400 tothe distal end of the elongated member 200. The slot 437 may define aconventional bayonet-type coupling which facilitates quick and easyengagement and removal of the end effector 400 from the elongated member200. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the elongated member 200 includesthree drive shafts 218 a, 220 a, 222 a, which are coupled to or supportrespective ones of the connector sleeves 218, 220, 222 (FIG. 5). Onceend effector 400 is connected to the elongated member 200, the first andthird drive shafts 218 a and 222 a of elongated member 200 are engagedwith the end effector 400 and provide for actuation of the end effector400, as described in further detail below.

As seen in FIG. 8, end effector 400 further includes a first coupling464 having a proximal opening 464 a for mechanically engaging the firstdrive shaft 218 a and a distal opening 464 b for mechanically engaging atransmission link 465. The transmission link 465 includes a proximalmale end 465 a for engaging the distal opening 464 b of the firstcoupling 464 and an opening 465 b for mechanically engaging an axialdrive screw 460.

Drive screw 460 is rotatably supported in carrier 431 and includes athreaded portion 460 a and a proximal engagement portion 460 b.Engagement portion 460 b includes a multi-faceted or non-circular maleconnection (e.g., hexagonal) which is dimensioned and configured toengage the distal opening 465 b of the transmission link 465. The drivescrew 460 is disposed within the longitudinal slot the carrier 431, asshown in FIGS. 7B and 8. The drive screw 460 is rotatably secured at adistal end of the cartridge 432 and includes a bearing 466 frictionallyfitted about the engagement portion 460 b. This allows the drive screw460 to be rotated relative to the carrier 431.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, a drive beam 462 is also disposedwithin the jaw assembly 430. The drive beam 462 includes a verticalsupport strut 472 and an abutment surface 476, including a knife fordissecting clamped tissue, which engages the actuation sled 440. Thedrive beam 462 also includes a cam member 480 disposed on top of thevertical support strut 472. Cam member 480 is dimensioned and configuredto engage and translate with respect to an exterior camming surface 482of the anvil 434 to progressively clamp the anvil against body tissueduring firing.

A longitudinal slot 484 extends through the anvil 434 to accommodate thetranslation of the vertical strut 472. In embodiments, the anvil cover435 may also include a corresponding longitudinal slot (not shown)formed on an underside thereof and is secured to an upper surface ofanvil 434 to form a channel therebetween. This allows the cam member 480to travel in between the cover 435 and anvil 434 during firing.

The drive beam 462 includes a travel nut 488 having a threaded bore 489defined therethrough. The drive screw 460 is threadably coupled to thedrive beam 462 through the bore 489, such that as the drive screw 460 isrotated, the drive beam 462 travels in a longitudinal direction alongthe axis A-A. As the drive screw 460 is rotated in a first direction(e.g., clockwise), the drive beam 462 travels in a distal directionclosing the anvil 434 as the cam member 480 pushes down on the cammingsurface 482 thereof. The drive beam 462 also pushes the sled 440 in thedistal direction, which then engages the pushers 433 a via the camwedges 444 to eject the fasteners 433 a.

With reference to FIGS. 6A-13B, the camera assembly 500 is coupled tothe jaw assembly 430 and is moveable between a first position, in whichthe camera assembly 500 is positioned within an interior space of thecamera housing 502, and other positions, in which the camera assembly500 extends at least partially through or from radially-opposed slots ofthe housing 502.

An example embodiment of the camera assembly 500 is shown in FIGS.6A-13B. The camera assembly 500 is supported within the housing 502. Thecamera assembly 500 includes a camera body 505 and a deployment assembly506 coupled thereto for deploying the camera body 505 from the housing502. The camera body 505 is movable between a non-deployed positionwherein the camera body 505 is disposed within the housing 500, as shownin FIGS. 6A and 6B, to at least one deployed position wherein the camerabody 505 is at least partially exposed from the housing 500, as shown inFIGS. 9A-10B. The camera housing 500 includes two slots, a left slot 502a and a right slot 502 b, defined on left and right radially-opposedsides thereof, respectively. In embodiments, the camera housing 502 mayinclude a single slot. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the camera assembly 500deployed from the left slot 502 a, and FIGS. 10A and 10B show the cameraassembly 500 deployed from the right slot 502 b.

The camera body 505 defines a longitudinal axis D-D and includes acamera 508 and one or more light sources 509 and 510 configured toilluminate the area to be viewed by the camera 508. The camera 508 maybe any suitable imaging apparatus configured for still or moving imagingincluding, but not limited to, digital devices, such as charge-coupleddevice (CCD) camera, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)sensor, an active-pixel sensor (APS), and analog devices, such as avidicon tube. In embodiments, the camera 508 may also include anysuitable lens or optical apparatus (e.g., optical fiber) fortransmitting light to the above-described sensors.

The light sources 509, 510 may be LEDs, light bulbs, fiber opticelements and other devices capable of providing light generated remotelyfrom the camera assembly 500. In embodiments, the camera body 505 mayinclude two light sources 509, 510 located on either side of the camera508.

The camera body 505 may also include one or more cables 512, here shownas a ribbon cable having multiple leads. The cable 512 may be connected,at one end, to the light sources 509, 510 and the camera 508, or mayalso be connected to other components of the camera assembly 500. Aremote end of the cable 512 may be connected to a power source, acontrol device, a display, or any combination of those devices, or anyother device.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 11A-13B, the camera body 505 is pivotallycoupled to first and second support arms 518 and 520 defininglongitudinal axes B-B and C-C, respectively. The camera body 505includes a first opening 514 and a second opening 516, the secondopening 516 disposed proximally of the first opening 514. Each of thefirst and second support arms 518 and 520 also include distal openings518 a and 520 a, respectively, disposed at their distal ends. The camerabody 505 is coupled to the first support arm 518 via a first pin 522passing through the first opening 514 and opening 518 a defining alongitudinal axis E-E that is transverse to the axes A-A, B-B, C-C, andD-D. The camera body 505 is coupled to the second support arm 518 via asecond pin 524 passing through the second opening 516 and opening 520 a.The opening 520 a has a substantially elongate or slot-like shape toallow for the pin 524 and the camera body 505 to travel in alongitudinal direction along the axis C-C.

The camera assembly 500 also includes a mounting bracket 526 disposedwithin the housing 502. The mounting bracket 526 is coupled to thehousing 502 (e.g., via bolts) and includes a stem 528 defining alongitudinal axis F-F that is parallel to the axis E-E and transverse tothe axes A-A, B-B, C-C, and D-D. Each of the first and second supportarms 518 and 520 also include proximal openings 518 b and 520 b,respectively, disposed at their proximal ends. The first and secondsupport arms 518 and 520 are pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket526 about the stem 528 through the openings 518 b and 520 b.

The camera assembly 500 further includes a first or sun gear 530 havingan opening 530 a defined therein. The first gear 530 is disposed aboutor supported on stem 528. Each of the stem 528 and the opening 530 ainclude one or more corresponding flat surfaces 528 a and 530 b,respectively. The flat surfaces 528 a (FIGS. 11B, 12B, 13B) and 530 a(FIG. 8) prevent rotational movement of the first gear 530 about thestem 528.

The first gear 530 is mechanically engaged with a second or planetarygear 532. Both of the gears 530 and 532 are disposed between the supportarms 518 and 520. In particular, each of the first and second supportarms 518 and 520 include openings 518 c and 520 c for rotatably couplingthe second gear 532 therebetween. The second gear 532 includes a firststem 532 a centrally disposed on a top surface thereof and a second stem532 b disposed off-center on a bottom surface thereof.

The first support arm 518 also includes an opening 518 d disposed at thedistal end thereof. In embodiments, the opening 518 d of first supportarm 518 may be disposed on an extension member 518 e, which is offset ina lateral direction from the axis C-C to provide for better leverage.

With reference to FIG. 8, end effector 400 further includes a secondcoupling 564 having a proximal opening 564 a for mechanically engaginganother drive shaft (e.g., second or third drive shafts 220 a, 222 a)and a distal opening 564 b for mechanically engaging a second axialdrive screw 560. In embodiments, one or more additional couplings 565may be included.

The drive screw 560 includes a threaded portion 560 a and a proximalengagement portion 560 b. Engagement portion 560 b includes amulti-faceted or non-circular male connection (e.g., hexagonal) which isdimensioned and configured to engage the distal opening 564 b of thesecond coupling 564 or the coupling 565. The drive screw 560 is disposedwithin the housing 502 and is rotatably secured at a distal end thereof,which allows the drive screw 560 to be rotated relative to the housing502.

The deployment assembly 506 includes an actuation nut 588 having athreaded bore 589 defined therethrough. The drive screw 560 isthreadably coupled to the actuation nut 588 through the bore 589, suchthat as the drive screw 560 is rotated, the actuation nut 588 travels ina longitudinal direction along the axis A-A.

A pivot arm 590 is pivotally coupled to both the actuation nut 588 andthe first support arm 518. In particular, the pivot arm 590 includes adistal end 590 a and a proximal end 590 b. The distal end 590 a of pivotarm 590 may have a substantially hook-like or L-shaped portion that isconfigured to pivotally couple to an opening 588 a defined in anextension 588 b of the actuation nut 588. The proximal end 590 b ofpivot arm 590 may also have a substantially similar shape as the distalend 590 a and is configured to pivotally couple to the opening 518 d offirst support arm 518.

The pivotal configuration of the pivot arm 590 provides for pivoting ofthe first support arm 518, the second support arm 590, and the camerabody 505. As the drive screw 560 is rotated in a first or clockwisedirection, the actuation nut 588 travels in a distal direction. Thisresults in the actuation nut 588 pulling the pivot arm 590 in the distaldirection. Since the pivot arm 590 is coupled to the first support arm518 at the opening 518 d, which is disposed proximally of the opening518 c on the offset extension member 518 e, pulling of the pivot arm 590in the proximal direction results in pivoting of the first support arm518 around the pivot stem 528 in a first or counterclockwise direction.

As the drive screw 560 is rotated in a second or counterclockwisedirection, the actuation nut 588 travels in a proximal direction. Thisresults in the actuation nut 588 pushing the pivot arm 590 in theproximal direction, which in turn pivots of the first support arm 518around the pivot stem 528 in a second or clockwise direction.

Pivoting of the first support arm 518 provides for deployment of thecamera body 505. As described above, the camera body 505 is pivotallycoupled to the first support arm 518 via the pins 522, 524. Accordingly,as the support arm 518 is pivoted, the camera body 505 is deployed alongtherewith from the housing 502.

As the support arm 518 is pivoted about the stem 528, the second orplanetary gear 532 rotates about the first or sun gear 530. Rotation ofthe planetary gear 532 is transferred to the second support arm 532,which results in pivoting thereof around the stem 528. In particular,the second stem 532 b, which is disposed off-center on the bottomsurface of the planetary gear 532 travels within the opening 520 c.Rotational motion of the second stem 532 b includes a radial (e.g.,lateral) and an angular component, the angular component is transferredinto longitudinal travel of the second stem 532 b within the opening 520c, while the radial component is transferred into lateral movement ofthe second support arm 520, which pivots the arm 520 about the stem 528.

The gear ratio between the gears 530 and 532 allows the second supportarm 520 to be rotated at a faster rate than the first support arm 518.As a result, the second support arm 520 has a wider range of travel(e.g., is disposed proximally of the first support arm 518). Inparticular, FIGS. 12A and 12B and FIGS. 13A and 13B show top and bottomviews of the camera assembly 500 deployed on the right side and leftside, respectively. In each deployed configuration (e.g., left or right)the second support arm 520 is pivoted beyond the first support arm 518.Consequently, the first and second support arms 518 and 520 are not inparallel (e.g., non-zero angle) alignment, namely, the longitudinal axisB-B is not in parallel alignment with the axis C-C. This pivotingrelationship between the first and second support arm 518 and 520 allowsfor pivoting of the camera body 505 about the axis F-F, such that thelongitudinal axis D-D is not in parallel alignment with either axis B-Bor C-C, thus directing the camera body 505 toward the end effector 400.

The pivoting of the camera assembly 500 may be controlled manually bythe operator or automatically. Manual operation of the camera assembly500 may be accomplished by activating the drive shaft 222 a by pressinga corresponding switch. During automatic operation, pivoting of thecamera 500 may correspond to, e.g., be linked to, the articulation ofthe end effector 400 such that, when the end effector 400 isarticulated, the camera assembly 504 is automatically moved in acorresponding manner that provides imaging of the end effector 400. Thismay be accomplished by linking the drive shafts 218 a, 220 a, 222 a tooperate concurrently. This ensures that the camera assembly 500 iscontinually oriented towards the end effector 400. At the same time, therotation of the camera assembly 500 may be controlled by the operator inorder to more finely control the area viewed.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. For example, surgical instrument 100 neednot apply staples but rather may apply two part fasteners as is known inthe art. Further, the length of the linear row of staples or fastenersmay be modified to meet the requirements of a particular surgicalprocedure. Thus, the length of the linear row of staples and/orfasteners within a staple cartridge assembly may be varied accordingly.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical device, comprising: a jaw assembly;and a camera assembly coupled to the jaw assembly, the camera assemblycomprising: a camera housing defining an interior space having at leastone opening on a side thereof, the camera housing having a stem disposedtherein; a first support arm and a second support arm each having aproximal end and a distal end, the first and second support armspivotally coupled at their proximal ends to the stem disposed within thecamera housing and deployable therefrom; and a camera body coupled todistal ends of the first and second support arms and moveable between afirst position, in which the camera body is positioned within theinterior space of the camera housing and the first and second supportarms are in parallel alignment, and a second position, in which thecamera body extends from the at least one opening of the camera housingand the first and second support arms are in non-parallel alignment. 2.The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the camera bodyincludes at least one camera and at least one light source.
 3. Thesurgical device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one openingincludes first and second openings on respective radially-opposed sidesof the camera housing.
 4. The surgical device according to claim 3,wherein the camera assembly is moveable so as to extend from one of thefirst and second radially-opposed openings of the camera assembly. 5.The surgical device according to claim 1, further comprising a firstgear coupled to the camera housing and a second gear mechanicallyengaged with the first gear and pivotally coupled to the first andsecond support arms.
 6. The surgical device according to claim 5,wherein the first and second support arms are coupled to the camera bodyby first and second pins, respectively, and wherein the second pin isdisposed proximally of the first pin.
 7. The surgical device accordingto claim 6, wherein the second support arm includes a longitudinal slotand the second pin is configured to travel through the longitudinal slotas the second support arm is pivoted.
 8. The surgical device accordingto claim 1, the camera assembly further comprising: a drive screwsupported within the camera housing; an actuation nut threadably coupledto the drive screw; and a pivot arm having a proximal end pivotallycoupled to the first support arm and a distal end pivotally coupled tothe actuation nut, such that rotation of the drive screw impartslongitudinal movement of the actuation nut thereby causing actuation ofthe first support arm.
 9. A surgical instrument camera assembly,comprising: a camera housing defining an interior space having at leastone opening on a side thereof, the camera housing having a stem disposedtherein; a first support arm and a second support arm each having aproximal end and a distal end, the first and second support armspivotally coupled at their proximal ends to the stem disposed within thecamera housing and deployable therefrom; and a camera body coupled todistal ends of the first and second support arms and moveable between afirst position, in which the camera body is positioned within theinterior space of the camera housing and the first and second supportarms are in parallel alignment, and a second position, in which thecamera body extends from the at least one opening of the camera housingand the first and second support arms are in non-parallel alignment. 10.The surgical instrument camera according to claim 9, wherein the camerabody includes at least one camera and at least one light source.
 11. Thesurgical instrument camera according to claim 9, wherein the at leastone opening includes first and second openings on respectiveradially-opposed sides of the camera housing.
 12. The surgicalinstrument camera according to claim 9, further comprising a first gearcoupled to the camera housing and a second gear mechanically engagedwith the first gear and pivotally coupled to the first and secondsupport arms.
 13. The surgical instrument camera according to claim 12,wherein the first and second support arms are coupled to the camera bodyby first and second pins, respectively, and the second support armincludes a longitudinal slot through which the second pin is configuredto travel as the second support arm is pivoted, the second pin beingdisposed proximally of the first pin.
 14. The surgical instrument cameraaccording to claim 13, wherein the second support arm includes alongitudinal slot through which the second pin is configured to travelas the second support arm is pivoted and the second pin being disposedproximally of the first pin.
 15. The surgical instrument cameraaccording to claim 9, the camera assembly further comprising: a drivescrew supported within the camera housing; an actuation nut threadablycoupled to the drive screw; and a pivot arm having a proximal endpivotally coupled to the first support arm and a distal end pivotallycoupled to the actuation nut, such that rotation of the drive screwimparts longitudinal movement of the actuation nut thereby causingpivotal movement of the first support arm.
 16. A surgical device,comprising: a jaw assembly; and a camera assembly coupled to the jawassembly, the camera assembly comprising: a camera housing defining aninterior space having at least one opening on a side thereof, the camerahousing having a stem disposed therein; a first support arm and a secondsupport arm each having a proximal end and a distal end, the first andsecond support arms pivotally coupled at their proximal ends to the stemdisposed within the camera housing and deployable therefrom; a firstgear coupled to the camera housing; a second gear pivotally coupled tothe first and second support arms; and a camera body coupled to distalends of the first and second support arms and moveable between a firstposition, in which the camera body is positioned within the interiorspace of the camera housing and the first and second support arms are inparallel alignment, and a second position, in which the camera bodyextends from the at least one opening of the camera housing and thefirst and second support arms are in non-parallel alignment and isoriented toward the jaw assembly in response to pivoting of the firstsupport arm.